Aluminium oxide is impermeable and, unlike the oxide layers on many other metals, it adheres strongly to the parent metal. If damaged mechanically, aluminiumâs oxide layer repairs itself immediately.
Saliva helps remove oral waste and cavity-causing bacteria, protects teeth from decay by neutralizing harmful acids, and helps re-mineralize tooth enamel. Saliva also keeps oral tissues healthy by preventing infection by controlling bacteria and fungi in the mouth.
Stimulation of saliva by non-food products such as sugarless chewing gum can increase the salivary flow rate with no detrimental effects on the oral tissues. Masticatory stimulation such as gum chewing causes the salivary glands to produce more fluid. This stimulated saliva contains more ions, including neutralizing bicarbonate, calcium, and phosphorous, which are available to remineralize dental enamel.